Richard Chamberlain

The second most-watched miniseries (after Roots) of all time, The Thorn Birds was originally broadcast in 1983 and captivated viewers with its story of a lifelong conflict between the spirit and the flesh. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Colleen McCullough, the production stars Richard Chamberlain as a Catholic priest named Ralph de Bricassart, whose life in Australia between 1920 and 1962 is one long torment as he pines for his lover, Meggie Carson (Rachel Ward), while seeking advancement in his clergyman career. The passion and the guilt make for compelling drama, but a stellar cast of supporting players adds muscle to the proceedings: Barbara Stanwyck (who won an Emmy for her work as Meggie's tough grandmother), Jean Simmons, Richard Kiley, Christopher Plummer, Bryan Brown, and Mare Winningham. Chamberlain, who was something of the king of the miniseries form at the time, is very good in the lead, as is the often-underrated Ward. Their affair is indeed irresistible to watch, which proves to be true, too, of the story's thick weave of church politics, forbidden desire, social change over decades, and family secrets. --Tom Keogh

What better way to escape from the onslaught of so-called reality television than to sail away with Richard Chamberlain to "the Japans" for a little samurai action and some discreet "pillowing"? From the golden age of the miniseries comes this television benchmark, the 10-hour, Golden Globe-winning saga based on James Clavell's bestselling epic. In his award-winning performance, Chamberlain stars as John Blackthorne, the 17th-century English navigator on a Dutch trading ship. A storm runs the ship aground off the coast of Japan, a "torn and cruelly divided country" locked in a power struggle between Toranaga (the venerable Toshiro Mifune) and Ishido, two warlords who would be Shogun. Blackthorne gets over his initial culture shock ("I piss on you and your country," he defiantly proclaims to his samurai captors, which to his humiliation turns out to be an unfortunate choice of words) to become a trusted ally of Toranaga and the lover of the beautiful interpreter Lady Mariko (Yoko Shimada). Their forbidden, ill-fated romance--and Blackthorne's total assimilation into Japanese culture--is set against political intrigue as Toranaga prepares for the inevitable showdown with Ishido, and Blackthorne's growing influence threatens the local Jesuits who had built up a lucrative trade monopoly. Shogun was a production blessed with good karma, and it remains an awesome achievement from a bygone era when the miniseries was king. --Donald Liebenson

What better way to escape from the onslaught of so-called reality television than to sail away with Richard Chamberlain to "the Japans" for a little samurai action and some discreet "pillowing"? From the golden age of the miniseries comes this television benchmark, the 10-hour, Golden Globe-winning saga based on James Clavell's bestselling epic. In his award-winning performance, Chamberlain stars as John Blackthorne, the 17th-century English navigator on a Dutch trading ship. A storm runs the ship aground off the coast of Japan, a "torn and cruelly divided country" locked in a power struggle between Toranaga (the venerable Toshiro Mifune) and Ishido, two warlords who would be Shogun. Blackthorne gets over his initial culture shock ("I piss on you and your country," he defiantly proclaims to his samurai captors, which to his humiliation turns out to be an unfortunate choice of words) to become a trusted ally of Toranaga and the lover of the beautiful interpreter Lady Mariko (YokoShimada). Their forbidden, ill-fated romance--and Blackthorne's total assimilation into Japanese culture--is set against political intrigue as Toranaga prepares for the inevitable showdown with Ishido, and Blackthorne's growing influence threatens the local Jesuits who had built up a lucrative trade monopoly. Shogun was a production blessed with good karma, and it remains an awesome achievement from a bygone era when the miniseries was king. --Donald Liebenson

VHS

The second most-watched miniseries (after Roots) of all time, The Thorn Birds was originally broadcast in 1983 and captivated viewers with its story of a lifelong conflict between the spirit and the flesh. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Colleen McCullough, the production stars Richard Chamberlain as a Catholic priest named Ralph de Bricassart, whose life in Australia between 1920 and 1962 is one long torment as he pines for his lover, Meggie Carson (Rachel Ward), while seeking advancement in his clergyman career. The passion and the guilt make for compelling drama, but a stellar cast of supporting players adds muscle to the proceedings: Barbara Stanwyck (who won an Emmy for her work as Meggie's tough grandmother), Jean Simmons, Richard Kiley, Christopher Plummer, Bryan Brown, and Mare Winningham. Chamberlain, who was something of the king of the miniseries form at the time, is very good in the lead, as is the often-underrated Ward. Their affair is indeed irresistible to watch, which proves to be true, too, of the story's thick weave of church politics, forbidden desire, social change over decades, and family secrets. --Tom Keogh

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 06/28/2011 Run time: 487 minutes Rating: Nr

Three days in the summer of 1863, at a place called Gettysburg. Although it received a theatrical release, this four-hour depiction of the bloody Civil War battle was shot as a made-for-television film. But no taint of cheapness or shortcuts should stick to this magnificent picture (well, except maybe for those phony-looking mustaches). Based on Michael Shaara's book The Killer Angels, this film takes a refreshingly slow, thorough approach to the intricacies of battle. In ordinary circumstances, those intricacies might seem of importance only to fans of military strategy or Civil War enthusiasts, yet in Gettysburg they come across as the very stuff of life, death, and unexpected heroism. If the film has a problem, it's that it climaxes too early: the first long segment, detailing the struggle of a "civilian soldier," Union Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels), to hold his ground against long odds, is an enthralling piece of moviemaking. Daniels, in a heartbreaking performance, does his best film work. Other cast members include Tom Berenger, Sam Elliott, and Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee. Richard Jordan, in his final role, gives a powerhouse performance as Confederate general Lewis A. Armistead. Oh, and you can also try to spot Ted Turner, whose company produced the film, as a Confederate soldier. Writer-director Ronald F. Maxwell seems inspired by the gravity of the battle; long as it is, every moment of Gettysburg is informed by a nobility of purpose. --Robert Horton

The bloody, three-day Civil War battle that took place in July of 1863 and saw 53,000 lives lost is depicted in spectacular style in this epic film marked by incredible fighting sequences and a memorable cast that includes Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Stephen Lang, Jeff Daniels, and Richard Jordan. Based on the acclaimed book "The Killer Angels." 4 1/4 hrs. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.0, French Dolby Digital Surround stereo; Subtitles: English, French; audio commentary; "making of" documentary; theatrical trailer; interviews; filmographies; bonus short "The Battle of Gettysburg" (1955).

What better way to escape from the onslaught of so-called reality television than to sail away with Richard Chamberlain to "the Japans" for a little samurai action and some discreet "pillowing"? From the golden age of the miniseries comes this television benchmark, the 10-hour, Golden Globe-winning saga based on James Clavell's bestselling epic. In his award-winning performance, Chamberlain stars as John Blackthorne, the 17th-century English navigator on a Dutch trading ship. A storm runs the ship aground off the coast of Japan, a "torn and cruelly divided country" locked in a power struggle between Toranaga (the venerable Toshiro Mifune) and Ishido, two warlords who would be Shogun. Blackthorne gets over his initial culture shock ("I piss on you and your country," he defiantly proclaims to his samurai captors, which to his humiliation turns out to be an unfortunate choice of words) to become a trusted ally of Toranaga and the lover of the beautiful interpreter Lady Mariko (Yoko Shimada). Their forbidden, ill-fated romance--and Blackthorne's total assimilation into Japanese culture--is set against political intrigue as Toranaga prepares for the inevitable showdown with Ishido, and Blackthorne's growing influence threatens the local Jesuits who had built up a lucrative trade monopoly. Shogun was a production blessed with good karma, and it remains an awesome achievement from a bygone era when the miniseries was king. --Donald Liebenson

What better way to escape from the onslaught of so-called reality television than to sail away with Richard Chamberlain to "the Japans" for a little samurai action and some discreet "pillowing"? From the golden age of the miniseries comes this television benchmark, the 10-hour, Golden Globe-winning saga based on James Clavell's bestselling epic. In his award-winning performance, Chamberlain stars as John Blackthorne, the 17th-century English navigator on a Dutch trading ship. A storm runs the ship aground off the coast of Japan, a "torn and cruelly divided country" locked in a power struggle between Toranaga (the venerable Toshiro Mifune) and Ishido, two warlords who would be Shogun. Blackthorne gets over his initial culture shock ("I piss on you and your country," he defiantly proclaims to his samurai captors, which to his humiliation turns out to be an unfortunate choice of words) to become a trusted ally of Toranaga and the lover of the beautiful interpreter Lady Mariko (YokoShimada). Their forbidden, ill-fated romance--and Blackthorne's total assimilation into Japanese culture--is set against political intrigue as Toranaga prepares for the inevitable showdown with Ishido, and Blackthorne's growing influence threatens the local Jesuits who had built up a lucrative trade monopoly. Shogun was a production blessed with good karma, and it remains an awesome achievement from a bygone era when the miniseries was king. --Donald Liebenson

One of the most acclaimed mini-series in television history, James Clavell's epic tale of discovery, love and the conflict of two worlds is collected in this five-disc set. Richard Chamberlain stars as an English navigator who becomes swept up in the political intrigue of feudal 17th-century Japan. With Toshiro Mifune, Yoko Shimada, Michael Hordern, Frankie Sakai; Orson Welles narrates. 9 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital mono; audio commentary; "making of" documentary; featurettes.

The Thorn Birds Chapter 2 VHS. Father Ralph de Bricassart, after making arrangements to send Meggie Cleary to school, takes special interest in the neglected child's progress.

The Thorn Birds Chapter 5. Shattered by the fire at Drogheda and the death of her father and brother, Meggie becomes more dependent on the love and kindness of the visting Father Ralph.

The Thorn Birds Chapter 7. The life of a vagabond sugarcane cutter is more appealing to Luke's free spirit than that of a responsible husband and soon-to-be father, so Luke abandons Meggie.

Salvino's Big Bammers Bear Wilt Chamberlain ASIN: B0014B7CZU Manufacturer: Salvino's

No description available.Genre: DramaRating: NRRelease Date: 0000-00-00Media Type: DVD

Winning Sarah's Heart Cody has made it. He’s finally in the sixth grade and king of the world. Or, at least, king of his school. Cody has a lot going for him but has only one thing on his mind – winning the heart of the new girl in school, Sarah Davis.But who knew that the sixth grade could be so much work? Almost immediately, Cody defends Sarah's honor, plays his archrival, Eric Mullen, in the championship football game and still manages to somehow find time to be the lead in the school play. And as he navigates through the treacherous waters of his final year at Wenchester Elementary – as he experiences his first love, his first kiss, a painful loss, and more fun and laughs and tears than he ever bargained for – Cody Greer will discover the true meaning of friendship and learn that life has a funny way of throwing you a few curveballs. Luckily, Cody Greer knows just how to keep his eye on the ball.Kurt and Captain AnnieKURT AND CAPTAIN ANNIE is a coming-of-age young adult novel that features one very special girl, Annie Burke.Kurt Kelton immediately befriends the new girl in town, and soon develops a crush on her. But Annie isn’t interested in crushes, or boys for that matter. She’s an amazing athlete. So amazing that Kurt invites her to try out for the boy’s school baseball team. Well, the boys are in for a rude awakening. Annie is good. So good that she’s better than all of them. So what’s a school to do when their best athlete is a girl? Easy. They make her captain.**Acclaim for the novels of H.T. Night and J.R. Hargrove**"Kurt and Captain Annie is a wonderful, heart-warming story. Mr. Hargrove is a fabulously talented writer who captures the exuberance of youth and the spirit of adventure. I've set this one aside to read again."—Elaine Babich, author of You Never Called Me Princess and Relatively Normal"A book to be enjoyed by the whole family. A fun, fun story. I love this!"—J.R. Rain, author of Moon Dance and The Body Departed"What a sweet story! Highly recommended!"—Lani Bennett, author of False Dichotomy

Winning Sarah's Heart Cody has made it. He's finally in the sixth grade and king of the world. Or, at least, king of his school. Cody has a lot going for him but has only one thing on his mind - winning the heart of the new girl in school, Sarah Davis.But who knew that the sixth grade could be so much work? Almost immediately, Cody defends Sarah's honor, plays his archrival, Eric Mullen, in the championship football game and still manages to somehow find time to be the lead in the school play. And as he navigates through the treacherous waters of his final year at Wenchester Elementary - as he experiences his first love, his first kiss, a painful loss, and more fun and laughs and tears than he ever bargained for - Cody Greer will discover the true meaning of friendship and learn that life has a funny way of throwing you a few curveballs. Luckily, Cody Greer knows just how to keep his eye on the ball.Kurt and Captain AnnieKURT AND CAPTAIN ANNIE is a coming-of-age young adult novel that features one very special girl, Annie Burke.Kurt Kelton immediately befriends the new girl in town, and soon develops a crush on her. But Annie isn't interested in crushes, or boys for that matter. She's an amazing athlete. So amazing that Kurt invites her to try out for the boy's school baseball team. Well, the boys are in for a rude awakening. Annie is good. So good that she's better than all of them. So what's a school to do when their best athlete is a girl? Easy. They make her captain.**Acclaim for the novels of H.T. Night and J.R. Hargrove**"Kurt and Captain Annie is a wonderful, heart-warming story. Mr. Hargrove is a fabulously talented writer who captures the exuberance of youth and the spirit of adventure. I've set this one aside to read again."-Elaine Babich, author of You Never Called Me Princess and Relatively Normal"A book to be enjoyed by the whole family. A fun, fun story. I love this!"-J.R. Rain, author of Moon Dance and The Body Departed"What a sweet story! Highly recommended!"-Lani Bennett, author of False Dichotomy

Winning Sarah's Heart had been on Kindle for over a year now.Author's note:Adult women are the biggest fans of this book. It is a romantic and very sweet story. Women tell me that the book puts a giant smile on their face. Actual Quotes for Winning Sarah's Heart from my fanpage:"I absolutely Love this series.""I don't think I have ever read a book in which I had laugh, cried, cheered and got my husband to read the book also.""I am in love with Cody Greer."This is a serial Novel.'Back to School' (Episode One)Cody has a very high emotional IQ. He is a sensitive, romantic minded who loves and adores his friends. Cody has secretly fallen in love with Sarah Davis. No one knows his feelings. Cody's dad left him at a real young age and he reaches out to those around him for support and truth.Cody has a 24/7 constant self reflection on life, love and hope. In Junior High, Cody starts a brand new school with all of his friends. When something very unexpected happens on the first day of school. Cody had to choose between those closest to him or moving further in life. Cody discover he has a couple of amazing new skills both in the classroom and on the football field. Cody gets an important talking to by Sarah's dad. Will Cody and Sarah's relationship survive junior high? REVIEWS:“What a fun ride! Night displays an uncanny knack to capture the thoughts and language of youth. Winning Sarah's Heart is heroic, funny, and most of all, real.”―Summer Lee, author of Kindred Spirits and Shenanigans“Winning Sarah's Heart is pitch-perfect. More than anything, the author is a natural born storyteller. Think Nicholas Sparks meets Judy Blume. The story itself is inspiring and hilarious and will stay with you for some time to come. Night captures the thoughts and feelings of six-graders everywhere in a wonderfully touching and moving tale.”―J.R. Rain, author of Moon Dance and The Body Departed “This is why I love reading! Hilarious, thought-provoking and poignant!”―Elaine Babich, author Relatively Normal and You Never Called Me Princess“Sweet and heart-warming. I absolutely fell in love with Cody Greer.”—Lani Bennett, author of False Dichotomy

Winning Sarah's Heart had been on Kindle for over a year now.Author's note:Adult women are the biggest fans of this book. It is a romantic and very sweet story. Women tell me that the book puts a giant smile on their face. Actual Quotes for Winning Sarah's Heart from my fanpage:"I absolutely Love this series.""I don't think I have ever read a book in which I had laugh, cried, cheered and got my husband to read the book also.""I am in love with Cody Greer."This is a serial Novel.'Back to School' (Episode One)Cody has a very high emotional IQ. He is a sensitive, romantic minded who loves and adores his friends. Cody has secretly fallen in love with Sarah Davis. No one knows his feelings. Cody's dad left him at a real young age and he reaches out to those around him for support and truth.Cody has a 24/7 constant self reflection on life, love and hope. In Junior High, Cody starts a brand new school with all of his friends. When something very unexpected happens on the first day of school. Cody had to choose between those closest to him or moving further in life. Cody discover he has a couple of amazing new skills both in the classroom and on the football field. Cody gets an important talking to by Sarah's dad. Will Cody and Sarah's relationship survive junior high? REVIEWS:"What a fun ride! Night displays an uncanny knack to capture the thoughts and language of youth. Winning Sarah's Heart is heroic, funny, and most of all, real."_Summer Lee, author of Kindred Spirits and Shenanigans"Winning Sarah's Heart is pitch-perfect. More than anything, the author is a natural born storyteller. Think Nicholas Sparks meets Judy Blume. The story itself is inspiring and hilarious and will stay with you for some time to come. Night captures the thoughts and feelings of six-graders everywhere in a wonderfully touching and moving tale."_J.R. Rain, author of Moon Dance and The Body Departed "This is why I love reading! Hilarious, thought-provoking and poignant!"_Elaine Babich, author Relatively Normal and You Never Called Me Princess"Sweet and heart-warming. I absolutely fell in love with Cody Greer."-Lani Bennett, author of False Dichotomy

In a typical organization, there's always plenty that to do such as: pay vendors, invoice customers, answer customer inquiries, and fix bugs in hardware or software. You need to know who wants what and keep track of what is left to do. This is where a ticketing system comes in. A ticketing system allows you to check the status of various tasks: when they were requested, who requested them and why, when they were completed, and more. RT is a high-level, open source ticketing system efficiently enabling a group of people to manage tasks, issues, and requests submitted by a community of users. RT Essentials, co-written by one of the RT's original core developers, Jesse Vincent, starts off with a quick background lesson about ticketing systems and then shows you how to install and configure RT. This comprehensive guide explains how to perform day-to-day tasks to turn your RT server into a highly useful tracking tool. One way it does this is by examining how a company could use RT to manage its internal processes. Advanced chapters focus on developing add-on tools and utilities using Perl and Mason. There's also chapter filled with suggested uses for RT inside your organization. No matter what kind of data your organization tracks--from sales inquiries to security incidents or anything in between--RT Essentials helps you use RT to provide order when you need it most.

If one needed an object lesson in the fickle nature of Hollywood and its precipitously shifting tastes, one could do worse than to examine the career of the songwriting brothers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. After inventing veritable swaths of Disney's musical theme park, TV, and film legacies in the '50s and '60s (including Zorro, The Sword in the Stone, Mary Poppins, and The Jungle Book), the brothers found their talents largely underemployed in TV and film efforts after the death of Walt Disney. It isn't to say that their talents were in the least diminished, as this soundtrack to the 1976 U.K.-produced live-action adaptation of Cinderella ably attests. Fans of the Shermans' Disney canon should find this soundtrack restoration a welcome addition to their collections. The Shermans' music is a familiar, effervescent delight, even as it tackles the full emotional spectrum of romantic and familial entanglements, from Prince Edward's existential ponderings in "Why Can't I Be Two People?" through the king's Gilbert & Sullivan-esque take on royal bureaucracy in "Protocologically Correct" to the romantic pinings of "Secret Kingdom" and "He Danced with Me." The Slipper and the Rose is a musical cult favorite, and for good reason. --Jerry McCulley